FAQ - Passport

A passport (either Chinese or Pakistani) is required for entering or leaving any country.

While a NADRA (NICOP) card is an identification document, a passport serves as a travel document and should be carried when crossing international borders. Additionally, you should carry any form of personal identification (to prove your identity) along with a valid passport (for immigration purposes).

Immigration officers at border entry/exit points may request personal identification (e.g., NADRA/NICOP/POC cards) as needed.

You should apply for a new passport well in advance of the expiry of your current passport to avoid any emergency travel situations. Generally, it is recommended to apply four to six months before the expiration of your current passport.

The required documents are detailed on the Directorate General of Immigration and Passports website, which can be found at www.dgip.gov.pk.

For applicants over 18 years old applying for the first time, longer processing times are required. Since passports are approved and printed in Pakistan, first-time applicants must go through additional processing procedures, which take more time than usual.

Please note that currently there is not Passport Department at the Pakistan Consulate in Guangzhou.

Given the importance of the document, it is advisable to collect your passport in person. However, the Directorate General of IMPASS also offers the option to post it to your address upon payment of additional postage charges.

Yes, you may authorize someone else to collect your passport on your behalf. You will need to provide them with a written authorization letter and a copy of your NADRA/CNIC card.